How to Write Dialogue That Doesn't Suck

Summary

This video reveals how to write captivating dialogue that can elevate a screenplay. It debunks common misconceptions, showing that great dialogue isn't about clever lines but about deeply understanding your characters. Through examples from iconic movies like Star Wars, Reservoir Dogs, and The Pursuit of Happyness, the video emphasizes the importance of staying true to character voices and using dialogue to reveal their psychology and drive the plot. It stresses that dialogue should feel natural, serve the story, and contribute to transformational moments, making it memorable and engaging.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dialogue is crucial to the success of your screenplay; if it fails, your story loses its impact.
• 😀 Great dialogue isn't about clever or impressive lines, but rather about creating authentic character voices.
• 😀 It's important to understand your characters deeply, as this will naturally shape how they speak.
• 😀 Exposition in dialogue is fine as long as it's natural to the characters' situation, not just a tool to inform the audience.
• 😀 Dialogue should not just mimic real conversation; it should serve the story and reveal key character traits.
• 😀 Tarantino’s dialogue works because it’s rooted in his characters' behaviors and psychology, not just cleverness.
• 😀 Exposition works best when it serves the characters, and is presented in a natural, conversational way.
• 😀 Avoid adding dialogue just to sound like real conversation. Every line should have purpose and move the story forward.
• 😀 Transformational dialogue is key—it should trigger a character's change or realization, propelling the plot forward.
• 😀 A good way to write authentic dialogue is to listen to your characters, allowing them to naturally express themselves, rather than dictating their lines.
• 😀 When writing dialogue, know your characters so well that their words flow naturally from their psychology, fears, and desires.

Q & A

What is the biggest mistake writers make when it comes to dialogue?

The biggest mistake is focusing too much on making dialogue clever or memorable, which can result in dialogue that feels forced or disconnected from the story. Instead, it's crucial to write dialogue that feels authentic and true to the characters.

Why does the line 'brother, you're alive, too bad you will die' fail in terms of dialogue?

This line feels forced and disconnected from the story because it tries too hard to be epic or cool. The dialogue doesn't come from the character’s internal conflict and seems out of place, which makes it cringe-worthy.

What makes the line from 'Star Wars Rebels' more effective than the other example?

The line in 'Star Wars Rebels' works better because it’s delivered with hesitation and internal conflict, making it feel true to the characters' emotional state. It’s not about the line being clever, but about it being rooted in the characters' struggles.

What does the speaker suggest about writing exposition in screenplays?

Exposition is not the problem itself; the problem arises when exposition feels forced or unnatural. The key is to make sure exposition feels like a natural part of the conversation, something the characters would genuinely say in that moment, rather than just a tool for conveying information to the audience.

How does 'The Shining' handle exposition in a natural way?

In 'The Shining,' the exposition is part of a natural interview scene where the interviewer provides Jack with background information about the hotel. It feels like a real conversation, serving the characters rather than merely informing the audience.

Should dialogue in a screenplay sound exactly like real conversation?

No, dialogue should not mimic real conversation exactly. While some elements of everyday speech can be incorporated, every line of dialogue should serve a purpose and move the story forward. It’s about finding a balance between realism and narrative progression.

What role does natural conversation play in a screenplay's dialogue?

Natural conversation can add authenticity, but it should only be used strategically. Dialogue must always serve the narrative, revealing character traits or advancing the plot, not just for the sake of sounding like everyday speech.

What makes Tarantino’s dialogue stand out, even when it doesn't move the plot forward?

Tarantino’s dialogue often focuses on revealing character traits, like Mr. Pink’s refusal to tip in 'Reservoir Dogs.' While it may not move the plot directly, it tells us something vital about the character, which is essential for understanding their actions later in the film.

What is transformational dialogue and how does it work in 'The Pursuit of Happiness'?

Transformational dialogue is when a character has a realization or a shift in their mindset that propels the plot forward. In 'The Pursuit of Happiness,' the dialogue where the father encourages his son not to let anyone tell him what he can’t do represents a turning point in his character’s journey and drives the plot forward.

How can a writer make sure their dialogue remains true to their characters?

To stay true to characters, a writer must understand their character's psychology, desires, and fears. Dialogue should come from this deep understanding, reflecting how the character would genuinely respond in a given situation, rather than what the writer thinks they should say.